S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
4843
2009-2010 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 6, 2009
___________
Introduced by M. of A. P. RIVERA, DIAZ, POWELL, ORTIZ, KAVANAGH,
J. RIVERA, PERALTA, V. LOPEZ, ROSENTHAL, N. RIVERA, ESPAILLAT, ARROYO,
LATIMER, GUNTHER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. BENJAMIN, BRENNAN,
CALHOUN, CLARK, CROUCH, McDONOUGH, RABBITT, STIRPE, TOWNS -- read once
and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commis-
sions
AN ACT to establish a temporary state commission on the feasibility of
constructing and operating a light rail commuter system between the
counties of Sullivan and Orange, and the city of New York; and provid-
ing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A temporary state commission on the feasibility of
constructing and operating a light rail commuter system between the
counties of Sullivan and Orange, and the city of New York is hereby
created to examine, evaluate and make recommendations on the feasibil-
ity, costs and benefits of constructing and operating a light rail
commuter system between the counties of Sullivan and Orange, and the
city of New York. Such commission shall direct its attention to the
following:
(a) Evaluating the population flow and other demographic data in the
counties of Sullivan and Orange;
(b) Evaluating the benefits of constructing and operating such a light
rail commuter system;
(c) Evaluating the effects of population growth on the operation of
such a light rail commuter system;
(d) Evaluating the impact on rental housing and real property values
of the operation of such a light rail commuter system;
(e) Evaluating the impact the operation of such light rail commuter
system would have upon the loss of population and employment in upstate
counties;
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06697-02-9
A. 4843 2
(f) Recommending where such light rail commuter system should be
constructed and where the passenger stations of the system should be
located;
(g) Estimating the cost of constructing such light rail commuter
system; and
(h) Estimating the economic benefits from the construction and opera-
tion of such a light rail commuter system.
S 2. The commission shall be composed of thirteen members to be
appointed as follows: three members shall be appointed by the governor;
three members shall be appointed by the temporary president of the
senate; three members shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly;
two members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and
two members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the assembly.
The governor shall designate the chair of the commission. Vacancies in
the membership of the commission shall be filled in the manner provided
for original appointments.
S 3. The commission may employ and at pleasure remove such personnel
as it may deem necessary for the performance of its functions, and fix
their compensation within the amount available therefor and shall other-
wise have five staff liaisons and/or assistants appointed by the commis-
sioner of transportation.
S 4. The commission may meet within and without the state, shall hold
public hearings, and shall have all the powers of a legislative commit-
tee pursuant to the legislative law. All meetings of the commission and
documents in the possession of the commission shall be subject to the
provisions of articles 6 and 7 of the public officers law.
S 5. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for
their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to this act.
S 6. To the maximum extent feasible, the commission shall be entitled
to request and receive, and shall utilize and be provided with such
facilities, resources and data of any court, department, division,
board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or any political subdi-
vision thereof as it may reasonably request to properly carry out its
powers and duties pursuant to this act.
S 7. The commission shall submit a report to the governor and the
legislature of its findings, conclusions and recommendations on or
before June 1, 2010, and shall submit with its report such legislative
proposals as it deems necessary to implement its recommendations.
S 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall remain in
effect until June 1, 2010, when upon such date the provisions of this
act shall be deemed repealed.